The unit coordinates a consortium consisting of Fraunhofer IZI and three other Fraunhofer Institutes (FEP, IPA and IGB) for the development of low-energy electron irradiation (LEEI) for the generation of inactivated vaccines or novel diagnostic antigens.
Already in 2019, the technology was out-licensed to the filling line manufacturer Bausch & Ströbel, from which the company KyooBe Tech GmbH (https://kyoobe.tech) emerged as a spin-off, which will take over the further development until marketability at the end of 2023.
The unit has know-how and technologies for the design and production of recombinant antigens from all kinds of viruses and microbes. Technologies include proprietary ways for the elimination of cross-reacting epitopes (e.g. in flavivirus diagnostic). These proteins are used for the development of serologic tests, e.g. ELISAs. Other diagnostics are PCRs (e.g. real time PCR) and virus culture.
The working group carries out tests in cell culture on the antiviral effect of substances, materials and surface coatings. For active ingredients and substances, the concentration range in which the antiviral effect occurs is also determined. For surface coatings, the investigations are based on common standard protocols (e.g. ISO 21702 for non-porous surfaces or ISO 18184 for textile products).